Question 1

Which of the following individuals is most likely to be lactose intolerant, based on ethnicity, and at what age does lactase production typically decrease in such populations?

Accepted Answer

Ying (Chinese); lactase production decreases after weaning (childhood)

Question 2

If a lactose-intolerant individual drinks milk, what is the most likely digestive outcome, and why does this matter for osteoporosis risk?

Accepted Answer

Lactose is not digested, leading to fermentation by gut bacteria and possible calcium deficiency, increasing osteoporosis risk

Question 3

Which three polysaccharides can be formed by linking hundreds or thousands of glucose monomers together?

Accepted Answer

Starch, cellulose, glycogen

Question 4

Which of the following is a function of small sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides)?

Accepted Answer

Immediate energy source and building blocks for larger molecules

Question 5

Complete the following equation: $$	ext{Galactose} + \underline{\hspace{1cm}} = 	ext{Lactose}$$

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 6

Which polysaccharide is used for energy storage in animals, and which is used for structure in plants?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen (animals); cellulose (plants)

Question 7

Why is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) commonly found in processed foods and drinks?

Accepted Answer

It is inexpensive, enhances flavor, and increases shelf life

Question 8

How does fructose differ from glucose in terms of metabolism and cellular use?

Accepted Answer

Fructose is metabolized only in the liver, while glucose is used by all cells for energy, storage, and building macromolecules

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the unifying feature of all lipids?

Accepted Answer

They are all hydrophobic or insoluble in water

Question 10

What is the main structural difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and how does this affect their physical state at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds and are solid at room temperature; unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds, causing kinks and making them liquid at room temperature

Question 11

Which environmental issue is most closely associated with palm oil production?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation and habitat loss

Question 12

What are the three main functions of fats in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Energy storage, insulation, and protection of organs

Question 13

Which molecule is a major component of cell membranes and has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipid

Question 14

How does the structure of a steroid differ from other lipids?

Accepted Answer

Steroids have a four-ring carbon structure, while other lipids have long hydrocarbon chains or glycerol backbones

Question 15

Which lipid is important for stabilizing cell membranes and serves as a precursor for sex hormones?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol

Question 16

What are the monomers of proteins, and give one specific example?

Accepted Answer

Amino acids; example: glycine

Question 17

How can a single amino acid change in a protein lead to diseases such as sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

It alters the protein's primary structure, which can change its folding and function, leading to disease

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the tertiary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The overall 3D shape formed by interactions between R groups of amino acids

Question 19

What are the three components of a nucleotide, the monomer of DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate group, five-carbon sugar, nitrogenous base

Question 20

How many DNA nucleotides code for one amino acid, and what is this sequence called?

Accepted Answer

Three nucleotides; called a codon

Biology Study Guide: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards